Chapter 1: (01:59) Lesson Introduction
In the last lesson, Hawkeye introduced the basic techniques essential to playing slide guitar. He applied these concepts to some slide licks played in standard tuning. Many slide players prefer to play in standard tuning. However, playing slide in this tuning presents several challenges. It is more difficult to navigate through slide guitar licks due to the way in which scales and chords are mapped out across the fretboard.

As a result of these difficulties, slide guitar is frequently played in open tunings such as open D, open G, open E, and open A. In an open tuning, major chords can be played by using a one finger barre across all six strings. As a result, all six strings can be played when outlining chords with the slide.

Chapter 2: (02:42) Slide and Open D
Open tunings in which the strings are tuned down (open D and open G) are far more popular than tunings in which the strings are tuned up (open E and open A). Tuning the strings up puts additional tension on the neck that may cause it to bow after an extended period of time. A bowed neck can rarely be repaired. The entire neck must be replaced. For this reason, Hawkeye has chosen to play in open D tuning. All of the strings that must be adjusted are tuned down instead of up.

Open D Basics

When open D tuning is applied, all of the open string notes are part of a D major triad. Listed below is a breakdown of how each string is tuned in Open D. Use the mnemonic device "dad fad" to remember the tuning of each string. Do not forget that the third string is tuned to F#. If this string is tuned to F natural, the tuning is changed to open D minor.

Chapter 3: (05:44) Tuning without the Tuner
It is possible to use a tuner to help you tune each of the strings. Unfortunately, this is only possible with a chromatic guitar tuner. A standard tuner will only allow you to tune the guitar to standard tuning. For this reason, it is important to learn how to adjust your tuning by ear.

Tuning by Ear

Follow the steps listed below to tune your guitar to open D.

Step 1: The 6th string must be tuned down a whole step to the pitch D. Match the pitch of this string to the open fourth string. Many players find it helpful to use the harmonics at the 12th fret when tuning the sixth string down to D. Simply match the harmonic at the 12th fret of the sixth string to the harmonic at the 12th fret of the D string.

Step 2: The 3rd string is tuned down a half step to the note F#. An F# note is located at the 4th fret of the fourth string. Match the pitch of the third string to this note.

Step 3: The second string must be tuned down a whole step to the pitch A. Match the pitch of this string to the pitch of the open fifth string. Once again, you can use the harmonics at the 12th fret of these strings to check your tuning. Either method is perfectly acceptable. Use whichever method works best for you. You may want to use both to double check your work.

Step 4: The first string must be tuned down a whole step to the pitch D. Match the pitch of this string to the pitch of the open fourth string. The 12th fret method can be applied to this step as well.

Chapter 4: (04:27) Chords in Open D and the Slide
As mentioned earlier, all of the open strings are tuned to a specific pitch within a D major triad. D is the root of the chord. F# is the third. A is the fifth. Since the open strings are tuned to a D major chord, it is most common to play in the key of D major when using this tuning.

To play a 12 bar blues in open D, you must learn how to play the I, IV, and V chords in this tuning. In relation to this key, these chords are D, G, and A respectively. You've already learned that playing all of the open strings produces the I chord, D. By using the first finger to barre all six strings at the 5th fret, a G chord is formed. To play the V chord, A, simply slide this barre chord shape up two frets. Watch closely as Hawkeye plays through a verse of "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash to demonstrate the 12 bar blues progression in open D.

Applying the Slide

Instead of barring the IV and V chords with the first finger, try playing them with the slide. Remember to keep the slide perfectly parallel to the frets. Otherwise, the chord will sound out of tune. Practice sliding into the IV and V chords from several frets below. Accuracy becomes more of a challenge when sliding across large distances. For this reason, it is important to practice sliding from a variety of distances. Also, practice sliding back and forth between the IV and V chords.

Note: Tablature and notation to these basic exercises can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.

OMG Hawkeye! I have enjoyed the lessons so far, but this one turned spiritual! I figured out from this lesson how to improvise the Eric Clapton unplugged version of Walkin' Shoes" (not sure who wrote the original if anyone does?) Hod so much fun I think I got the HOLY GHOST! THanks and keep on teachin"

I am so glad you are getting SPIRITUAL about the blues. Eric Clapton has written very few blues songs ... his songs on Unplugged are mostly copies of old blues songs ... Walking Blues is by the great Robert Johnson ... please listen to the original versions of the songs that Eric Clapton performs ... so you can see where he gets his ideas for his music ... he is a great guitar player, but his blues music is in deep respect for the original artists. Do what Clapton does ... listen to the original versions of the songs he sings and plays on the Unplugged album ... and then add or subtract your own ideas ... just like Clapton does. If you cannot find the original songs .. just go to youtube.com and search for the song by title. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons.

You're most welcome, Stephen. I'm so glad you're getting the sound you've been longing for on the guitar as a result of my lessons. I appreciate your taking the time to let me know. I hope you continue to enjoy 'traveling' with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com

THIS RIGHT HERE IS THE COOLEST THING THAT I LOVE THE MOST AND THE EASIEST FOR ME WITH MY ARTHRITUS AS LONG AS I DO SLIDE AND RYTHMN I'M FINE, BUT IF I START TRYING TO DO LEAD I'M GETTING INTO PROBLEMS.

LOL I HAVEN'T BEEN PUTTING ANYTHING IN THERE BUT FELT IS A THOUGHT. I HAVE BEEN JUST PUTTING IT ON MY FINGER AND GOING WITH IT LOL.I'M ABOUT AS RAW AS HOUND DOG TAYLOR LOL. THE GUYS I USED TO PLAY WITH SAID I REMINDED THEM OF HIM WITH THE CHEAP GUITARS AND WAYS THAT I PLAY LOL.

Thanks so much, Tonya. I really appreciate your taking the time to leave me a few kind words about these lessons. I learned directly from many of the old icons of the blues, and I'm happy to share what I learned and what I love with others. I hope you continue to get as much enjoyment from these lessons as I get from playing and teaching the blues ... and in receiving/reading gratifying messages like yours. Thanks for traveling with me on the 'blues highway' here at JamPlay.com :-)

Sarabe, Thanks so much for your kind words. Very much appreciated. I've been playing and teaching the guitar for a very long time, and I try to communicate (in blues music and in spoken words) in a simple, straight ahead, clear and concise manner ... I want EVERYONE who watches these lessons to understand and enjoy the blues and blues guitar ... and I believe my being easily understood and entertaining (rather than overly technical) ... is the best teaching method. I hope you continue to enjoy these lessons. Again, thanks so much.

Well, I'm glad you found some humor in this lesson. I grew up on country music in the Midwest ... I like old country music, mostly from before 1980 and much older ... I appreciate Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Hank Snow, Ernest Tubb, Bob Wills, and all of the old country singers ... if it's 'bluesy', I like it. But I don't know much about modern country music. I'm glad you got a chuckle from my ... antics. :-)

jbrady03, Thanks for the comments and for enjoying the lessons ... open D is cool ... and then we'll do some open G ... pay attention, because everything you learn in open D, you can do in open G, by moving everything over one string higher ... if a lick is on the 2nd string in open D ... it'll be on the 1st string in open G. Please stick with the program ... please don't skip/jump around amongst these lessons if you can help it ... I've given a great deal of thought to the order and content of these lessons ... in order for you to have a strong foundation and understanding of blues and to be able to play freely and create music on your own ... if you skip/jump around you'll still learn a lot ... but there will be 'holes/gaps' in your blues foundation. :-) I hope you continue to to enjoy these lessons, the learning process, and the sound of your guitar. Thanks again!

psarms876, Hah! You're so right ... I am easily amused ;-) !!! That's what it takes to enjoy the learning (and teaching) process on the guitar ... the slightest 'innovation' is exciting. I hope you find it contagious. Thanks so much for noticing my ... childish qualities. ;-)

Great lessons Hawkeye. I had a thought about other open tunings such as open E. Couldnt a person capo up and then tune down without hurting your guitar neck? I realise that makes for less frets to play though.

al w, The answer to your question is ... Yes! HOwever, I suggest you tune the guitar to open D (or open G) first, then put the capo on the guitar ... and after having done so, slightly adjust the tuning of the strings to be in tune ... rather than putting the capo on first, and then tuning the guitar ... I feel this works better ... however, if you must, go ahead and put the capo on the strings and then tune ;-) Most important, have fun ... without jeopardizing the integrity of the instrument.

frenja, sorry for the delay in my response ... as I've been touring in Europe from 11/10 to 12/4 ... I just got home an am exhausted ... I'll reply to your 'turnaround' question soon. Thanks for your patience.

Blues Guitar with Hawkeye

The blues is a distinctly American style of music. Many popular genres such as jazz, rock, and country music draw upon basic blues concepts. Consequently, it is advantageous for any guitarist to study the blues.

Hawkeye explains how to add variety to the shuffle pattern by transferring the bass notes to the treble register and by adding palm muting. He also explains how you can create your own shuffle variations.

Having trouble getting those fingers to form barre chords? In lesson #115 of his Blues Series, Hawkeye covers some tips and techniques to help with these problematic chord shapes. Any beginner can master...

Hawkeye opens up some ideas on how to "plan ahead" in your playing. Similar to riding a bike, you need to look forward to see where your going. Humming what you want to play allows you to anticipate the...

"Herman plays with a sensitive, reflective touch that continually draws
attention to his vocals, which are effectively understated and free of
affectation... Herman can rock with the best of them. A solid choice for fans of
traditional acoustic blues."Living Blues Magazine

" ...plays haunting music on a mournful guitar." Los Angeles Times

"The only thing better than hearing this live album is seeing Hawkeye Herman
in the flesh. Whether adding his own spin to blues classics or offering his
own songs, Herman is a one-man history of blues, noteworthy guitar player and
inimitable communicator. Miss him at your peril."Blues Access

With over 40 years of performing experience, Michael "Hawkeye" Herman
personifies the range of possibilities in blues and folk music. His dynamic blues
guitar playing and vocal abilities have won him a faithful following and he leads
a very active touring schedule of performances at festivals, concerts, school
programs and educational workshops throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
His original music has been included in video dramas and documentaries and in
four hit theatrical productions.

In 2000, Hawkeye was awarded Philadelphia's
Barrymore Award for Excellence in Theatre for best original music in a
theatrical production. "Everyday Living," Hawkeye's first nationally released album
from 1987, now reissued on CD, features the late blues giants Charles Brown and
"Cool Papa" Sadler, and established the demand for his now long-standing
festival and concert touring. His latest CDs and DVD, "Blues Alive!" (CD), "It's
All Blues To Me" (CD), and "Hawkeye Live In Concert" (DVD) have been greeted
with rave reviews. Hawkeye's journalistic efforts have been published in numerous
national and regional blues and music-related periodicals.

In 1998 he was the
recipient of the Blues Foundation's "Keeping The Blues Alive" award for
achievement in education. He served on the Board of Directors of the Blues
Foundation for six years. Hawkeye was inducted into the Iowa Blues Hall of fame in
2004. In September of 2005, Hawkeye composed, at the request of the British
Broadcasting Company (BBC), "Katrina, Oh Katrina (Hurricane Blues)," detailing the
hurricane disaster on the Gulf Coast. The song was aired to over 7 million
listeners on the popular "BBC Today" program. He is the cofounder of the Rogue
Valley Blues Festival, Ashland, OR.

This musician has definitely carved out a
spot for himself in the contemporary acoustic blues/folk field, and has earned a
reputation as one of the most accomplished artists in the genre, and
audiences throughout the US/Canada/Europe have come to know and appreciate Hawkeye's
talent, dedication, and captivating performances.

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Mike H.

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I am 66 years young and I still got it! I would have never known this if it had not been for Jamplay! I feel like a 12 year old kid with a new guitar! Ha! I cannot express enough how great you're website is! It is for beginners and advanced pickers! I am an advanced picker and thought I had lost it but thanks to you all, I found it again! Even though I only play by ear, I have been a member a whopping whole two weeks now and have already got Brent's country shuffle and country blues down and of course with embellishments. Thank you all for your wonderful program!

Greg J.

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I'm a fifty eight year old newbie who owns a guitar which has been sitting untouched in a corner for about seven years now. Last weekend I got inspired to pick it up and finally learn how to play after watching an amazing Spanish guitarist on TV. So, here I am. I'm starting at the beginning with Steve Eulberg and I couldn't be happier (except for the sore fingers :) Some day I'm going to play like Steve! I'm self employed with a hectic schedule. With Jamplay I can fit in a random session when I have time and I can go at my own pace, rewinding and replaying the videos until I get it. This is a very enjoyable diversion from my work yet I still feel like I'm accomplishing something worthwhile. Thanks a lot, Greg

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